Synthesis of Single Crystal 2D Cu2FeSnS4 Nanosheets with High-Energy Facets (111) as a Pt-Free Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Two-dimensional Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS) nanosheets with exposed high-energy facets (111) have been synthesized by a facile, scalable, and cost-effective one-pot heating process. The CFTS phase formation is confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The formation mechanism of exposed high-energy facet CFTS growth is proposed and its electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties are investigated in detail to reveal the origin of the anisotropic effect of the high-energy facets. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) achieve a favorable power conversion efficiency of 5.92% when employing CFTS thin film as a counter electrode, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective substitute for Pt in DSSCs.

A Recent Review of Electrospun Porous Carbon Nanofiber Mats for Energy Storage and Generation Applications

“…Electrospun carbon nanofibers are ideally suited as counter electrodes due to their high electrical conductivity and large surface area. The cross-linked nanofiber structure provides efficient charge transfer and enhances catalytic activity [98]. Figure 6 shows the CNFs decorated with Co 2 S 4 and their performance in a (DSSC).…”